Da Ge

Chapter 6
Le Ge handled things efficiently, and Wei Zhiyuan’s household registration was quickly settled, now included in the Wei Qian family’s household book. This made sending him to primary school a straightforward affair.aLwramgUgFhvJfINELatEMVXbGAaLS

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Feeding Wei Zhiyuan proved to be an easy task as well; as long as he was well-fed, he wasn’t picky about food at all. He eagerly absorbed all the nutrition he could, growing a noticeable amount in just half a year, perfectly embodying the phrase, “give him a little sunshine, and he’ll shine brightly.”SucQukutYzbaKzgiFoyExIqJgnPtGe

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He outgrew Xiao Bao’s clothes and had no choice but to wear Wei Qian’s old ones.UjwyjOJnEnfbggiIyLogMACcuwfJmf

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Wei Zhiyuan remained distant from others, speaking only to Wei Qian and his siblings, along with a few brothers who frequently visited their home. His wariness of others was palpable.EFyQJQZrCsoRduVyQfcBnSSWQUAixD

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Beyond this, Wei Zhiyuan had almost no other flaws. He possessed an acute ability to read the room; a slight frown from Wei Qian was all it took for him to pick up on his brother’s displeasure, quickly blending into the background as if he were a mural on the wall, pretending to be invisible.SnQsMQZTCzhxYBwBToExCmzfPktvwu

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At home, he was incredibly diligent, keeping the house spotless. Ever since his arrival, the hot water kettle was always full, and garbage never stayed overnight. Any clothes casually discarded were promptly picked up and washed by him in silence.PEYqFbXxszVVjiqANZwxJSYOfgoznF

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He was cautious yet obsequious, positioning himself as a loyal follower, akin to a guard dog for the house. To strangers, his gaze was unnervingly sharp, with eyes like black beans, staring straight on, embodying the untamed fierceness of a stray pup.bCokrguweQCZpkgqzKuHfPegfNpapE

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These observations were made by San Pang, and Wei Qian didn’t take them to heart, rationalizing that as long as the kid wasn’t causing trouble and could keep Xiao Bao company while he was away, it was fine.BbrDldRwyRadZNdtpAybSKtWVCgfAY

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…Until a certain incident occurred.jfRcOsHpBayONDsSzFqyHlQLczCbUl

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One day, a group foolishly trespassed onto Le Ge’s territory, resulting in a brutal clash where one of Le Ge’s sworn brothers was seriously injured. The brothers armed themselves and retaliated on a street near Wei Qian’s home.ZjXCNvaAOhwsZPMQEeeNcdgCxYOuVT

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As they were turning their adversaries’ heads into mush, they suddenly heard the sound of a water hose scraping against the ground from behind.gRLBATEIytneOWkkOFjrqyDJhRQZID

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Before Wei Qian could turn to look, he heard San Pang exclaim in shock, “Oh fuck!”KOdQvALQAiWyCIpnZlhINEpSJXWDOM

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To Wei Qian’s astonishment, there was Wei Zhiyuan, dragging a water hose longer than himself, running towards them in a comically serious manner.PzqjbPZmTOabudWedCkUTKjylTSqZW

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Wei Qian caught the look in his eyes and realized San Pang was right; the kid’s gaze was as fierce as a wild dog’s. Despite struggling with the lengthy hose, his demeanor unmistakably conveyed his determination to confront any enemy.MUfKCpeqFhBRnHXGxohoFnTTfsrWRW

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To put it dramatically, he seemed to radiate a “killing intent” akin to that described in martial arts novels.trvtubepBzsnZWSGyVLuYumlMjlhrH

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San Pang commented, “Damn, what kind of creature have you brought home?”fGFqvsGpIMUBNkGqwdySBoeObhkuZE

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Wei Qian responded with a sense of resignation, “Don’t even mention it. If I had known, I would have brought a magnifying glass when I picked him up.”PWJNORbdDfXcnMevgvBxZiUCtYMwsL

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San Pang was astounded and shouted from a distance to Wei Zhiyuan, “Alright, my treasure, we brothers are done for the day. No need for you to step in, let’s head back to the palace!”arZrjlmLURcHlZtGGBiHYGETxjipSA

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Recognizing San Pang, Wei Zhiyuan stood still, blinking his round eyes at him, then glanced at Wei Qian, dropped the water hose, wiped his nose clean of snot, and simply said, “Oh.”exQcingMRxTgMVrPNnSkmoWxMBZqzO

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That very night, Wei Qian dreamt that Wei Zhiyuan had turned into a psychotic killer who, after committing murder, sat calmly amidst a pool of blood, emotionlessly calling out to him as “brother.”hUwJQmCbHXXXwAbhksIIoZWtelxYuP

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Wei Qian woke up drenched in cold sweat. Sitting up in bed, he saw the young kid, bare-bottomed and sleeping deeply beside him. He couldn’t help but stroke his soft hair gently.vXVeRdeopXnNlvctmiMuPezRLjtUJn

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Wei Zhiyuan, like a little pig, rubbed against his palm unconsciously.rdbKTLTegqsLuwCHViNWQvADtcuWNW

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Wei Qian pinched his soft arms and legs, realizing how tender he was, just like Xiao Bao, not at all like a murderer. The kid was smacking his lips in his sleep, probably dreaming of something delicious.FHTUbRwiDzhqYIkcraSVhiPhvUdaIj

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Sitting beside him and observing for a while, Wei Qian thought about how fierce this kid was at such a young age and wondered what the future held. It didn’t matter much as long as he didn’t cause trouble.bFPRVgAnvehESMdWBEfzGsNPowpzcM

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The future… sigh, such an uncertain term.OqeDblVsSaXBqJEAsEvtCmqPxxdGEZ

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Unable to sleep, Wei Qian got out of bed and walked to the balcony. Opening the window slightly, he stood in the chilly winter night, contemplating his elusive “future.”CnbkrZgWbsxXwpuXvZBFIlCkdgQgtC

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The high school fees were significantly higher than during compulsory education, straining Wei Qian’s finances to just barely cover one semester. Nearly depleting the savings from his deceased mother, the cold weather marked an almost desperate situation for him, yet he had no one to share his burdens with, being the eldest brother.BhlFDIsTUJicVfXrzqIuGjIlsQoDYt

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Wei Qian dreamt of finishing high school and living a respectable life like most people in the city, in suits and working nine-to-five.wgtEBRTdYgKEgPThBldfqtenODfSYO

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“Respectability” was his dream, as foolish, distant, and elusive as it seemed.taklHjGACmRWfILyXxyvvzDuXhktKk

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Reality left no room for such dreams. High school’s demanding schedule took up all his time, and teachers wouldn’t allow him to work when others were attending evening classes.CGaKCBiJCDhBAeAIUkuxEFCLSzBfna

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With Xiao Bao turning seven and needing to start school, Wei Qian, focused on his own fees and dreams, inadvertently missed the enrollment period, wasting a year of her education. He couldn’t bear to delay her future any further.YhXpBMBaxImxCrZyLAgVNxRCbEhDuW

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Quietly heading to the kitchen, he found less than two pounds of old rice, a green onion, and a few wilted leaves in the kitchen, with only ten and a half yuan left in his pocket.hVDvATNTDoBgshHLKcdLVhEKBtLTil

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He needed to buy food, daily necessities, pay for utilities…EEYinOjOdGbXiRfNOVsRCXtsyUvMRt

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He needed so much money just to maintain the bare minimum for living.zNylLiIYbTTzFmJzgeuSeZgyxnWNHo

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Life seemed like a sack full of holes, with Wei Qian’s hard-earned money leaking out from every opening.XDAKySVHbFdRiubOLQesUwcdVxiXgb

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Wei Qian still sought out part-time jobs every weekend, but with an additional mouth to feed at home, money began to run short.XoQGFicZOyIkreutYJymypYHzcGNmn

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Every morning when he left, he would fry a dish and leave two steamed buns for the two kids, claiming he would eat at school.bWNYMhXUpGKHuVtNKinJNSimxGTeLh

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Without saving the money for lunch, there wouldn’t be enough. Yet, being at an age with a big appetite, he couldn’t afford to be hungry. So, Wei Qian would sneak out of school during lunch break to warm up seats at Le Ge’s pool hall, where he could also grab a free meal. By the end of the semester, he felt his pool skills had nearly reached a professional level.rbrhmlhaohINuemhqjWiUdJAnZBYQO

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Every day, the basic needs of life whipped him from the moment he woke up, forcing him to constantly run and find solutions.NnlZctVdERawsHotJhDoWNWUAsPVyV

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This left Wei Qian feeling restless—under such pressure, anyone would feel the same.uWTfefzQpFglhsYZeREAsNaKZjEejO

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He found a half-pack of cigarettes in his pocket, given to him by someone during the afternoon’s fight. Recalling how others looked when smoking, Wei Qian lit up a cigarette in the kitchen.icnMrDYakZjGFcacipUURqCkVFTnNB

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Coughing, he self-taught his way through his first cigarette, the lack of oxygen making his head spin and even causing nausea.rGGdpKRaYeUoODvhAvVAwxGVRyCBlP

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Sitting on the floor, leaning against the door, he rested for a moment.ZmyQajAqCjoKSzUkBbSPSGHszXglQz

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Maybe… he should just quit school.LuvYiwlkBTuHSIGoYrdQjQnCzdKAgX

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He thought to himself in a daze.XKsVjCTJUYxHtggLrTtOiDxDnuQmGX

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“I really have no other choice,” Wei Qian told himself. “I’m truly at my wit’s end.”oEVBvdwJWIfUOEmqxODgBjrcwgdNpM

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He was on the verge of tears, as if watching a door to another world, another life, slowly closing in front of him. He tried to reach it but always fell short.ylvDfOlyELsJsTAMrmVEFGwNQtHtOu

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That’s when Wei Qian remembered Le Ge’s words—that he could come to him if he faced any difficulties.vIITZbAKFuiZoXXZapuZznVPEygnYl

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Wei Qian’s eyes widened as he suddenly stood up, clutching the cigarette awkwardly between two fingers, shaken by the prospect of a clear path suddenly laying before him.wDZcWgXIKyurctpKBBwJCQFySCgoTw

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His mouth was dry, almost longing to rush to Le Ge immediately.TZkDAXoyDOgNgaFjHxQijOFKLfCSia

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Yes, Le Ge would surely lend him the money. Then, after finishing school, even college, he could repay Le Ge in a different capacity.tDEQNIdZZHsCXKgmCaBEKXIXVIxOvV

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As long as Le Ge was willing to support him, he wouldn’t have to worry about meals or painstakingly stretch every penny at home. He could complete his studies with peace of mind, promising himself to excel…CSBoXtHQmGVunVtDXXYJwrDCvEUfsG

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The hot ash from the cigarette fell on Wei Qian’s hand, startling him.JsmoPwZSLkxPuwIPfgjtmmEiQmyxAr

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He silently looked down at the crumbling butt of the cheap cigarette, snuffed it out, and tossed it into the trash can.bpZcaDWgoaBDBuQFAPgexHACSzHecT

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As his heated brain cooled down, he realized he couldn’t do it.AzviNfUbfGFIlJDFovurLkLeWpHTEj

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He always remembered the story about crossing the river, a memory of listening to his mother’s stories—an unparalleled luxury. He deeply recalled her words, “One shouldn’t live too comfortably. When your brain is fat and you eat well every day until nightfall, death from a simple chill isn’t far away.”jCKEzrvfRDOLvBdGfHIMEBMiPrWkIO

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Could Le Ge keep helping him indefinitely?VOITgaDXuRcyuuvZknEciFXZTNNqop

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There’s a saying: you can help someone in a crisis but not sustain them through poverty.uRYsJyxnlSXEjKlbjVctRQwvbCHuEn

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Why should Le Ge feel obligated to give him money, to ensure he can attend school, to feed and clothe him, to afford him a life without worries?nkuKJNJRWcefgmvAgewtnVjMRwiyVS

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Yet, for some reason, when Wei Qian reflected on such a carefree existence, he found it both deeply desirable and utterly terrifying. It was as if he could suddenly see a version of himself that was comfortable yet feeble, like a pig trapped within a pen.KUSnxxrmptMfydFoWygRXhMKvQSoba

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Is there anything in the world that instills more fear in a boy like him than being “weak”?YbXoJmQlBYbMOczNRZvWgrGxQmnmAc

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Is there anything more despairing to such a youth than “having no hope”?paMmApHTexaiyMxGJDwVwkgyTdTtzA

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If Wei Qian refused to be weak, his only choice would be to drop out of school, to embark on a hopeless path—leaving education behind to become a thug, a hired fist, or a menial laborer, becoming the scum of the city’s underbelly, struggling through life on a path that seemed blatantly doomed from the start.iyLixbOEECQuTexHfAeRSJSAEOABWy

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Wei Qian didn’t know how long he had stood frozen in the kitchen, his hands numbing with the cold, before he sniffled and returned to the small bedroom partitioned off by a curtain in the living room, laying back down on the bed.RUYLdRhvHGrjqrDVcZqZWQaFoaHFkw

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Wei Qian’s family lived in a one-bedroom apartment. After Xiao Bao turned three, he felt it was no longer appropriate for her to sleep with him, so he gave her the bedroom and set up a bed for himself in a corner of the living room, separated by a curtain, making do with a makeshift bedroom.oaMlocTznfSOnPHBHxmyMDrivdWFzj

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Wei Zhiyuan had always shared his bed.fgQWTfSzDkJxMxEgfUayZNuItczaSO

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When Wei Qian lay down again, the little guy beside him stirred, either not having fallen asleep yet or having been woken up.UcrmcwmlRglfaXQMeKAIOIZfdtnVaD

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Wei Zhiyuan opened his eyes cautiously, taking a moment to gauge his brother’s mood, before catching a whiff of the sharp scent of smoke on him. Unlike Xiao Bao, who was doted on since birth, Wei Zhiyuan hadn’t been spoiled in the same way, so he was more reserved.vOsSgRPPEOTsyKHhsiXVaLSDktrFSs

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With careful observation, Wei Zhiyuan softly called out, “Bro?”ykVJtADRNcyKmiArMAkEGFAGTvBGNZ

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Wei Qian, troubled in thought, preferred not to engage.ERTvKaMCceJkIPUeXAMEPDXwvFNazn

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After a long silence, without receiving a response, Wei Zhiyuan gently tugged at his brother’s clothes and asked, “Bro, is it because you don’t have money to take care of me anymore?”hqFIttRoTmOXVchonpCjYTGoZFjXFr

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Wei Qian thought to himself, you actually realize that—but he didn’t voice this thought. It wasn’t to spare the child’s feelings, but rather because admitting to his own incapacity and lack of funds felt like a blow to his pride. So, with irritation, he shrugged off Wei Zhiyuan’s hand, “What nonsense. Are you going to sleep or not? Shut up!”mJqfhvFFXpuGgPDuibrkHARTDygzoQ

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Wei Zhiyuan remained silent for a while, and Wei Qian assumed he had fallen asleep.gbVYAVtUeCwnLdDkXTMiIaYwXLLeGt

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Unexpectedly, after some time, the little guy cautiously moved closer, wriggling under his quilt, touching Wei Qian’s cold hands and feet—winter inside the house was very cold, as central heating hadn’t reached these forgotten old shanty areas. With a child at home, Wei Qian was reluctant to use a stove for warmth. Instead, he had saved for half a year to buy a second-hand electric heater. However, given its high energy consumption, they usually kept it off if possible.SbrqqBWVEikCeiHoKdeapzVfeOrzKg

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The chill of Wei Qian’s skin instinctively made Wei Zhiyuan flinch, but the next moment, the boy shivered closer, wrapping his hands around Wei Qian’s, tucking them into his chest. He then stretched his legs, almost burying his head into the blanket, barely managing to lay his own feet over his brother’s icy ones.VPIsKsXtigeXpyGEhCoIrwgNwNNcnf

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Instantly, Wei Zhiyuan felt the warmth draining rapidly from his body.hvFSQYqoGeTaBbbsdwSTjcYTxLwpFC

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After doing this, with a hint of eagerness to please, he said softly, “Don’t abandon me, okay? I can work, I can collect scrap, I can earn money.”xfHvTuNlMdkSoZBhkGOsvgxYxEadIl

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These gentle words nearly made Wei Qian’s heart tremble.cCXCEOfsOamhnPaBbaYGauWCyheUOj

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Perhaps because he took so long to respond, Wei Zhiyuan started to panic.lnSLKwUqEEIzTlfJTqItSkpiDOLdDl

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Wei Qian had provided him a safe and warm place to live, giving him a home he had once envied and dared not dream of, and had never hit him, nor hardly ever demanded he do any chores.qHvHtmUkmxgeCoVotsFQDIxZyJpdnb

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That winter, he even bought thick cotton jackets for both him and Xiao Bao.lkWUVIqXpVhFBquTqADIAzUGBjRYSh

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Wei Zhiyuan felt as if he was living in a beautiful dream, terrified that upon waking, he would once again become the unwanted street child, wandering the coldest corners of the city, living off scavenging trash.jmkilyCRNiCBQboXhQghHvjiLuRaWe

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“Please,” Wei Zhiyuan’s voice was low and trembling, “don’t throw me away.”QNDhhelLKqSEFKWorOoxLmFRwwAlIa

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Two seconds later, he added, “Bro.”jvRsZAuDbCsyWZXinxBQluPNQJWBJp

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Wei Qian felt a mix of emotions. To say he didn’t contemplate abandoning the boy to lighten his own burden would be a lie. However, all he did was ruffle Wei Zhiyuan’s head, simply commanding, “Go to sleep.”pKpMchNnAOvSwXgwKvdeFSfcFeBLTy

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There were no more words.aCeDVdBpMDCwoIYKtgQmiWWaSIyFYv

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Yet, if one could grow attached to a cat or dog after half a year, how much more so a human being?yXMDVHaNdnOjIJrWmpcNBTsfLWotFn

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Especially when this little guy revolved his whole day around him, trying his best to be helpful and to please him, just so he could stay.ahXycNfRwFtzEowoioJukZDLktOWGA

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Wei Qian knew he had softened. He believed he shouldn’t have, but he couldn’t help it; after all, he wasn’t made of stone.VIbAkotYcnHVqwnokhSHITyiwmutua

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“Let it be,” he thought, listening to the soft breathing beside him, telling himself, “This poor kid.”SVvBopMxDlSpQYwvjmdzjfmXaBBFgM

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